She said: “In fact, however, the evidence from care leavers themselves and their care workers shows that in far too many cases it is not working. If the guidance from 2001 is not yet working and vulnerable young people are being placed at risk, we must conclude that a step change is needed – and needed now.”

Southworth said the problem stemmed from the fact that guidance on housing standards for care leavers was “extremely broad-brush” and that there was no independent inspection regime.

She added: “The purpose of the Bill is to sort out those problems by providing clear, simple minimum guidance – nothing bureaucratic or over sophisticated, just the sort of simple guidelines that any decent responsible parent would ensure were in place for their child if they were looking for suitable accommodation.”

Although the Bill will receive a second reading on 19 June, 10-minute rule bills rarely become law and are often used by MPs to publicise an issue.

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